Our beloved Shirley Ann Ballard passed away peacefully on July 15, 2018 in Turlock, CA surrounded by many loving members of her family. She was 86.
Shirley was born to Laurence and Genevieve (Liby) Wieder in Independence, MO on July 2, 1932. At the age of 8, after a tragic accident claimed the life of her mother, Shirley became the main caregiver for her 2 younger brothers. In 1944, Laurence remarried and the family welcomed step-mother Mildred and the number of younger brothers increased to 5.
Shirley attended Needles High School in Needles, CA. During this time, she met the love of her life, Lloyd Donald Ballard, in the Spring of 1949 at the age of 17. Don and Shirley married November 10, 1949 in Las Vegas, NV at a little chapel called The Hitching Post. Don and Shirley moved to Turlock, CA in 1950 and they welcomed their daughter, Deborah in 1952 and son, Daniel in 1953.
Shirley enjoyed many friendships over the years, many of which were formed during her time at Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority, Chapter 2106. She was a member from 1967-1980, holding the title of President from 1969-70. She was also an active member of Turlock Soroptomist Club. Over the years, Don & Shirley became avid “cruisers”, enjoying many cruises all over the world. Her other hobbies included shopping (she loved her shoes), doting on her family, enjoying a good laugh and, of course, holding her “baby” Little Bit.
Over the years, Shirley worked at several dental offices and was the office manager at Turlock Chamber of Commerce. Shirley continued her education and graduated from Turlock Adult High School and proceeded to further her education at Stanislaus State College (now known as CSU Stanislaus). In 1983, Shirley proudly became a financial advisor with Investors Diversified Services. She had a very successful career until her retirement in 2002.
She is preceded in death by her father, mother and step-mother as well as her brothers: Fred Rothwell, Richard and Leroy Wieder. She is survived by brothers David (Rose) Rothwell and Larry (Carlene) Wieder; her children, Deborah (Rick) Mays and Daniel (Rowena) Ballard; grandchildren - Mike (Angela) Mays, Michelle (Mike) VanFleet, Amber (Max) Keup, Aaron (Sarah) Ballard, Ashlee (Mike) Weinstock and Jeremy Ballard; along with 11 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Our family is very grateful to Paramount Senior Living for the outstanding care given to Mrs. Ballard over the past 8 years and also to Judy Hagens for being such a wonderful friend and companion for the past 5 years.
Services will be held on Monday, July 23, 2018 at Turlock Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. The viewing will be held at 9AM in the small chapel followed by a graveside service at 10AM at Turlock Memorial Park. A lunch reception will follow at a private location. Donations can be made, in memory of Shirley A. Ballard, at Alz.org or by mail to: Alzheimer Association, Processing Ctr, PO Box 96011, Washington D.C. 20090-6011.
